Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2012 Volkswagen Beetle (5C1) L5-2.5L (CBTA)FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Refresh Charging
Refresh Charging
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
• Battery Charger (VAS 5903)
Risk of injury. Observe the warnings and safety precautions => [ Dangers When Working with Batteries ] Dangers When Working with Batteries!
Do not check or charge a battery when the visual indicator has no color or is bright yellow. Jump starting must not be used!
There is a risk of explosion during testing, charging or jump starting.
The battery must be replaced.
Refresh charging is not permitted for VW vehicles, because voltage surges can damage the on-board electronics.
The battery must always be disconnected from the vehicle electrical system when using the "refresh - charge" mode.
Always set the operating mode that corresponds to the battery. Refer to the Operating Instructions for battery charger VAS 5903.
Refresh Charging is suitable for wet batteries, which must be filled with distilled water.
Do not use Refresh Charging on maintenance-free wet batteries.
Refresh charging (Refr) is only used on batteries that are possibly defective (for example, sulfation). The battery is then charged to the maximum specific gravity of the electrolyte and the plates are reactivated (removal of sulfation layer).
• The battery temperature must be minimum 10 °C (50° F).
Procedure
• Switch off the ignition and all electrical consumers.
• Remove the key.
- Connect the battery charger (VAS 5903) to the network. The last selected operation mode is shown on the display, refer to => [ Battery Charger VAS 5903 ] Battery Charger VAS 5903.
- Press the INFO button to select the battery type.
The symbol - 1 - for Refresh charging of wet batteries or the symbol - 2 - for Refresh charging of Gel/AGM batteries is indicated in the display.
- Set the battery capacity (Ah) on the battery to be charged with the corresponding [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] button.
- Attach the red charging clamp (+) to the battery positive terminal.
- Connect the black charging clamp (-) to the negative terminal on the battery/negative connector.
The (VAS 5903) recognizes the nominal voltage of the connected battery (6 V/ 12 V /24 V) and begins the charging process automatically.
At a charge condition of approximately 80 - 85% of the battery voltage, the (VAS 5903) begins the final charging. The fourth bar is indicated on the display - 1 -. The battery is ready for operation.
• The refresh charging process depends on the degree of sulfation on the battery.
Possible malfunctions and how they are handled:
1 - Displayed voltage does not match the nominal voltage
- Hold down the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] button until the charging process begins.
2 - Displayed battery voltage does not match rated voltage - charging process has already begun
- Press the START/STOP button two times.
- Hold down the [Up Arrow] or [Down Arrow] button until the charging process begins.
3 - The charger does not recognize a battery, when the battery voltage is less than 2 volts
The display remains unchanged.
The set operating mode and Ampere-hours (Ah) are displayed.
End the battery charging process
- Press START/STOP button.
- Remove the charger clamps from the battery terminals.
- Disconnect the (VAS 5903).
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
Rather have a pro handle this?
A certified mobile mechanic comes to your home or office. They bring the tools, you stay comfortable. No tow truck, no waiting room, no surprises.
Comes to youSame-day available12-month warranty
Get a Free QuoteNo obligation. See pricing before you book.
